Participants' perceptions of a one-day challenge course program

by 1973- Wolfe, Brent David

Abstract (Summary)

While many studies have sought to understand challenge courses and their benefits, few
studies have sought to understand participants’ perceptions of these programs. In this study, 16
adults working at a dental office attended a one-day challenge course program designed to teach
them lessons about communication and cooperation. Research questions focused on
understanding participants’ perceptions of the program in general and, more specifically, their
perceptions about communication, cooperation, and team functioning during and after the
program. Data were collected via in vivo observations, digital video observations, one focus
group, and two individual interviews with 11 of 16 participants. These qualitative sources of data
were analyzed and nine themes emerged: (a) Support and Encouragement, (b) I’ve Gotta Do It,
(c) Individual Emphasis, (d) Changes in Emotion, (e) Effectiveness of Communication, (f) Too
Many Chiefs, (g) Cooperation, (h) Camaraderie, and (i) Impact of the Program. Presentation and
discussion of these themes allowed for exploration of participants’ perceptions of the one-day
challenge course program and offered answers to established research questions. Findings
suggested that participants identified individual benefits and while improvements to team
functioning related to communication and cooperation were not clearly recognized, a sense of
enhanced camaraderie was acknowledged. Connections to related literature and suggestions for
research and practice are also provided.